May 3, 2010
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - One of the Conference USA-high 16 Knights who were on active NFL rosters last fall was on the move last week as the Houston Texans signed tight end Michael Gaines, a seventh-year pro who was an unrestricted free agent.
The giant 6-2, 271 former Knight was added to the Texans roster mainly for his blocking ability. After starting the 2009 campaign with the Chicago Bears, he found his way to Cleveland where he turned in a very productive second half of the year. Gaines played in the Browns' final nine games, starting seven of them. He caught five passes for 59 yards and a touchdown in addition to his blocking assistance.
Originally selected in the seventh round of the 2004 draft by Carolina, Gaines started 21 games over three years for the Panthers. He has also played in games for the Buffalo Bills (2007), Detroit Lions (2008), Chicago Bears (2009) and Cleveland Browns (2009) with his most productive seasons coming for the Bills and Lions. Gaines started 14 games in 2007 for Buffalo and caught 25 passes for 215 yards and a pair of touchdowns. His career high season of 260 receiving yards was in 2008 for Detroit.
Gaines attended Florida High School in Tallahassee and played six different positions in football. His career high school statistics included 56 receptions for 1,715 yards and 20 touchdowns. He was named first-team all-state his junior and senior seasons. As a senior, he recorded 20 receptions for 535 yards and nine touchdowns, and added 110 tackles on defense. Johnson was regarded as the number one tight end in the state of Florida.
At UCF, Gaines played in 23 games and made four starts. His career totals include 22 receptions for 306 yards and three touchdowns. Gaines played in 11 games as a sophomore with one start. He recorded 11 receptions for 115 yards and one touchdown, and caught at least one pass in seven games. As a junior in 2002, Gaines played in 12 games with three starts. He finished the season with 11 receptions for 191 yards and two touchdowns. As a senior, he was selected to the Blue-Gray game.
To see the next wave of UCF's future NFL stars, make sure you get your 2010 season tickets now, starting at just $99. For information on how you can enjoy all six UCF home games this fall at Bright House Networks Stadium and join the Knights' quest for another C-USA Championship, call the Athletic Ticket office at (407) 823-1000 or check out the tickets tab above here at UCFAthletics.com.